The 32-year-old from Maybury — soon to become a father for the first time — beat a man six years his junior to win the middleweight crown. There was a different format in this year’s event and Brooker — English Open champion in 2002 — fought Andrew Oldham who became the Welsh equivalent last year. Three rounds of two minutes may not sound a lot but in a tremendously demanding sport it is strength sapping. In the first round, the two were evenly matched as they found their feet and tried to work each other out. “In the second round he started to put the pressure on and kept attacking which is where my forte is,” said Brooker. “I’m at my best defending rather then just going hell for leather. But in the next round after being informed I was ahead of my opponent I started trying a few more attacking moves which led to me knocking him down twice.” Brooker is a proud champion having competed for more than five years, winning seven titles along the way — three British, three English and one UK event. He has now begun studying Choi Kwang Do at the David Lloyd Centre and he added: “This art is tailored for all ages and does not involve competition. I have found that their techniques and learning structure are both enjoyable and very effective for today’s environment.” Anybody wanting advice about Choi Kwang Do (and a free first trial lesson) should contact Nigel Brophy on 07808 766407 or visit the website www.choikwangdo.com